Rossendale housing refusal overturned

Working on behalf of Taylor Wimpey, Manchester-based HOW Planning has secured planning permission on appeal for a residential development in the village of Helmshore, Lancashire.

Proposals were initially put forward for 74 family houses on the site of the former Airtours headquarters building, which, having been vacant for several years, is in need of redevelopment. Following refusal of the application by Rossendale Council on the grounds the scheme would constitute over-development of the area, HOW was brought in to prepare and manage the appeal.

The Planning Inspector considering the appeal agreed that the balance of benefits and the need to increase the number of new homes outweighed any detrimental effects the development might have on the area.

Richard Barton, principal planner at HOW Planning, said: "This scheme will make an important contribution to achieving residential targets for the area. This decision clearly shows that significant weight is being given to the provision of new housing and further demonstrates the Government's commitment to the presumption in favour of sustainable development."

Mark Calvert of Taylor Wimpey added: "Taylor Wimpey is very pleased with the outcome of the appeal and is looking forward to building the new homes here which the area is in need of."
No date has yet been set for work to start work on the Helmshore development but is expected to be this year.